Aloha e nā pua kaulana ʻo Hawaiʻi. ʻO Lāiana Kanoa-Wong kēia me ka huaʻōlelo o ka lā. Our Hawaiian word of the day is “Kiaʻi” let’s try that together mākaukau? “Kiaʻi” eō! Kiaʻi is a guardian or protector. One who has the kuleana or responsibilities of the protection and preservation of a person, place or thing. Used in a sentence “E hoʻolohe pono i nā kiaʻi” which translates as “Listen well to the guardians”. Our kiaʻi helped to maintain balance and order in the areas of their protection. In traditional stories, kiaʻi like Moʻoinanea and Lilinoe, would protect Mauna Kea, Meheanu was a famous moʻo guardian that protects the lokoiʻa or fishpond of Heʻeia. Mahalo to our many kiaʻi in our community who strive to protect and maintain balance in the beautiful pae ‘āina ‘o Hawaiʻi nei. E ola mau ka ʻōlelo Hawaiʻi, aloha!